SALT LAKE CITY — More than 25 healthcare organizations across Utah have joined forces to reverse the state’s declining colorectal cancer screening rates. Together, they are working to ensure every eligible Utahn has access to the right test at the right time. Today, these partners released the Screen Utah: Early Action Report, outlining key commitments and the collective efforts underway.
Through Screen Utah, providers, payers, and public health leaders are aligning policies, expanding access, and educating providers and patients. The One Utah Health Collaborative has convened these stakeholders to track progress, identify best practices, and support shared solutions.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., yet it is one of the most preventable with early detection. Despite this, Utah’s screening rates have dropped sharply—from 74% in 2020 to just 59.4% in 2022—underscoring the urgent need for action.
“The decline in colorectal cancer screenings is alarming, but through Screen Utah, the healthcare community is demonstrating that when we work together to solve fundamental challenges in the system, we can drive change that no one organization could accomplish alone,” said John Poelman, the Collaborative’s director of innovation. “This report is not just a statement of intent–it’s a concrete plan outlining independent and collaborative actions that will increase screening rates for years to come and ultimately save lives.”
Key facts and commitments from the Screen Utah: Early Action Report include:
- A unified, statewide effort: More than 25 organizations are working in coordinated workgroups to address colorectal cancer (CRC) screening barriers, from reimbursement policies to patient outreach.
- Declining screening rates require immediate action: Utah’s CRC screening rates are below the national average, emphasizing the need for stronger engagement and access to preventive care.
- Individual organizations are stepping up: From offering at-home FIT tests to embedding CRC screening into routine care, organizations are implementing their own initiatives alongside the broader collaborative effort.
- Commitment to tracking progress: Screen Utah is designed for long-term impact, with stakeholders meeting monthly to align strategies, share best practices, and measure outcomes.
“Colorectal cancer screening is particularly challenging due to the variety of test options and differences in insurance coverage,” Poelman said. “This isn’t just a one-time awareness campaign–it’s about making meaningful process improvements across multiple stakeholders to achieve something that can only be accomplished through collaboration. By prioritizing this coordination, we are building a sustainable model for better health outcomes in Utah.”
The Screen Utah initiative is guided by the One Utah Health Collaborative, an independent 501(c)(3) organization launched by Governor Cox to drive affordable, high-quality, and trusted healthcare solutions through public-private partnerships. The Collaborative serves as the steward of the Utah Model of Care, ensuring that efforts like Screen Utah remain aligned with statewide goals to improve health outcomes.
Participating Organizations
The following organizations are actively contributing to the Screen Utah initiative and have committed to taking action to improve colorectal cancer screening rates in Utah:
| Aetna | Huntsman Cancer Institute | Tanner Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| American Cancer Society | Intermountain Health | U of U Health |
| Association for Utah Community Health (AUCH) | Leavitt Group | U of U Health Choice Utah |
| Cigna | Molina | U of U Health Plans |
| Comagine | Ogden Clinic | Utah Health Information Management Association (UHIMA) |
| CommonSpirit | Optum Care Network | Utah Association for Local Health Departments |
| DMBA | Public Employees Health Program (PEHP) | Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) |
| Granger Clinic | Regence BlueCross BlueShield | Utah Gastroenterology |
| Granite Peaks GI | Revere Health | Utah Medicaid |
| HCA Mountain Star | SelectHealth |
For more information about Screen Utah, email info@uthealthcollaborative.orgTo read the Early Action Report and learn more about what each organization is doing, click here.
This Early Action Report has been produced with support from Leavitt Partners, an HMA company, and with contributions from stakeholders across Utah. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, these organizations.